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Fine Woodworking from Costa Rica

We make bowls, humidors, jewelry boxes, business card boxes, boxes to put engagement and wedding rings in, cigarette boxes, boxes to put lipstick in, boxes to put the junk that accumulates by your nightstand in, boxes for the Burton-Taylor diamond, and especially boxes to put other boxes in (set of four boxes, the smallest of which is only half an inch long.)

Best Selling Products

Barry Biesanz

Woodworking in Costa Rica since 1972.

“I design for a timeless, almost Shaker simplicity with great attention to joinery and finish. I use not only traditional geometrical forms and proportions, but also asymmetry, and, in the bowls, natural edges and defects. I want my pieces to feel good in the hand, so all edges are rounded and all hidden surfaces smooth. I don’t look to impose a shape, but to uncover one that reflects and interacts with the natural fractal harmony between heartwood and sapwood. I feel that the people who buy my work are co-creators, and deserve my gratitude for allowing me to do the work I love. My bowls and boxes are in the collections of the Queen and Prince of Spain, five US presidents and many other heads of state. ” – Barry Biesanz.

About Our Products

We make bowls, humidors, jewelry boxes, business card boxes, boxes to put engagement and wedding rings in, cigarette boxes, boxes to put lipstick in, boxes to put the junk that accumulates by your nightstand in, boxes for the Burton-Taylor diamond, and especially boxes to put other boxes in (set of four boxes, the smallest of which is only half an inch long.)

Our Products

Finish:

We are very picky about sanding. We sand boxes up to 400 grit. Boxes are then finished with shellac. We mix the shellac with pure cane alcohol, and apply it in coats as modified ‘French rub finish.’ Then they are polished and finished with a coat of wax. The result is a very satiny, semi-gloss finish. Our finishes and solvents are natural and non-toxic. Bowls: bowls are sanded up to 500 grit, sometimes 700 grit.

Joinery:

We use dovetail joinery, spline miter joinery and glue to put together the boxes. No nails, no screws, no ‘biscuits’.

Bowls:

Barry’s art pieces are one of a kind, unique turned wood pieces. Each is signed by the artist. His art is listed in several art appraisal databases.

Love from our clients around the world

I came by myself to Biesanz Woodworks and was met by a lovely man who took me on a tour of the botanical gardens where he explained the origin and age of the trees and plants they have, as well as their medicinal uses. He introduced me to Blakie, their rescue dog which absolutely loves visitors. Then we went to the wood workshop where the beautiful pieces are made. The gentlemen working there have been there for 30 years and have achieved complete mastery over creating these pieces. I really enjoyed my time here. I would recommend it to anyone coming through San Jose.
Yvonne Badulescu
My day trip to the beach was cancelled so I searched for a place to. uy some gifts and found this place. I was greeted by a friendly woman who offered to provide tour of the garden and wood working area. I was sure I was going to. uy something before arriving, it after the tour, the lesson and the respect gained for the craft of the pieces, I almost couldn't wait for the tour to e over to go in and purchase something. They were so helpful and I walked about with about 12 items. so worth the time and the prices are reasonable, even given the time some pieces take to make. Definitely worth a visit. The gifts will last for so long, much longer than a tshirt or plastic keychain.
Sandy Rodriguez
My family and I were greeted by a very lovely man named Minor he first allowed us to look around for a couple minutes followed by an excellent in depth tour of the property and how the woodworks are produced. We were lucky enough to have the Owner and his wife (Barry and Sara) give us more information on his products which was a very special treat for us. When purchasing their products, it was the perfect atmosphere anytime we had a question it was quickly answered in depth, I never felt pressured to buy anything either. A must see place for sure!!
Jacob Alexander Cohn